[egberts1]

The “50” in 14-50R refers to the maximum "rated" amperage allowed through the receptacle. Load-wise, to avoid melted connector, you don't plug something with load capacity of more than 37-ish ampere thru this 14-50R receptacle.

The OP is confusing load rating vs. capacity rating.

However, computed loads are always adequately under the breaker size, and beneath wire capacity, and below the receptacle rating, all three and each components of a circuit.

Many urban building codes often demand the 14-50R receptacle to match the 6/3 COPPER (not Romex) wire and 50A breaker size, often as a response to mass introduction of EV.

NEC 2018/2022 is unchanged about the permissible used of 50A-rated receptacle with smaller 40A breaker but NEC code firmly states that a breaker cannot exceed 8/3 AWG wire rated capacity and many types of 8/3 sheathing barely supports 50A; that's because NEC is all about load-rating, well beneath its rated capacity.

Naturally, in light of those NEC "restrictions", if an EV charger calls for a 50A RATED circuit (because charger performs at nominal load operation at 37A-ish, you'll want all three components of the circuit to each carry 50A. This is the part where the former electric stove/range 8/3 wire failed to meet the new EV charger's demand.

If the EV charger is rated for 60A but operates nominally at 46A, DO NOT go the 50A installaion route. Go with 60A. Operating your load capacity near its rated capacity is potential meltdown situation, especially if weather turns hot, Hot, HOT!

Also for 50A rated EV charger in the high-temperature area (garage), 8 AWG copper wire and 6 AWG aluminum wire are not NEC-code recommended despite having the 50 AMP to 60 AMP ampacity rating (NEC code); go with 6/3 copper.

For most residential garage having 50A-rated EV charger, that means 6/3 (non-Romex) copper AWG, 50A breaker, and 14-50R receptacle. Open-air carport and year-round cooler weather region can NEC-wise get away with (but local/urban electrical code may prevent) the use of 8/3 AWG copper (but no aluminum) wires.

[Kirby64]

What's your math on this? I don't understand how you're getting to 37A.

A 50 amp rated outlet (backed by a 50 amp rated breaker, and wire capable of handling 50 amps) is fully NEC compliant if you run it for 40 amps continuously (80% derating) or 50 amps temporarily (which NEC defines as a load expected to continue for 3 hours or more). EV chargers fall under the 80% derating. I'm not aware of any EV charger that uses 37A. They either support 40A (80% of 50A), 32A (80% of 40A), or 48A (80% of 60A).

[egberts1]

I did take liberty here in saying 37A-ish (40A is code) because that's what some national fire marshalls are reporting about hot garage and reuse of range-type wiring for new purpose of EV charging.

It's the wire material and size issue in hot area.

[Kirby64]

But, if it supports 40A charging it'll charge at 40 amps unless you back off the charging rate (which nobody does, typically). You'd always assume 40 amps for circuit purposes.

[egberts1]

See @quickthrowman's comment for detailed breakdown on high-temperature and copper wire.

[quickthrowman]

> What's your math on this? I don't understand how you're getting to 37A

You have to derate conductors installed in ambient temperatures greater than 86F. I would definitely use NM-B 6/2G (or 6/2G MC cable) for a NEMA 14-50R in a garage, just to account for derating since you get to start at 75A for #6 rated for 90C.

The first derating factor is .94 for ambient temps between 87-95F, .94 times 40A is 37.6A if you use the 75C column. I think NM cable is rated for 90C, so if you derate #8 from 55A at .67 to account for a much higher temp of 120-130F, you get 36.85A.

310.15 (B)(1)

Ambient Temperature Correction Factors Based on 30°C (86°F)

For ambient temperatures other than 30°C (86°F), multiply the allowable ampacities specified in the ampacity tables by the appropriate correction factor shown below.

https://conduit.site/tables/table-310.15-b-1.php

[Kirby64]

I’m not disputing that you have to derate conductors based on excess temperature according to NEC. I’m saying that no EVSE exists that will pull 37A. It’ll pull either 32A or 40A and needs wiring and a breaker backing it that either is 40 or 50 amp rated, respectively.

Also, Romex (NM-B) is always considered to be 60C rated, and you cannot assume 90C rated conductors (in the case of a properly rated 90C conductor like THHN) because the outlet and breaker must also be matched and capable of 90C. No 40-50A breaker I’m aware of is 90C rated. They’re typically 75C, and sometimes 60. Likewise, no NEMA 14-50 outlet I’ve ever seen is 90C rated. They’re all 75 or 60C. The crappy Leviton one mentioned in the article is 60C. That means everything is essentially treated as 60C for derating purposes besides derating factors for things like bundled conductors.

In comparison, Bryant and Hubbell outlets (the more expensive ones EV forums tend to recommend) are 75C rated, so you can usually use the 75C derating tables for everything, since breakers are THHN are typically capable of 75C. MC cable would also be 75C rated, as well.

[egberts1]

Thanks! The further clarification and use of terminology is much needed here. Plus I needed that citation!